Quote:
Originally Posted by John Mercier
We rationalized getting rid of vehicle inspection on that basis.
What makes you think that won't be an issue?
The rational behind it is simple. Property taxes are high.
The elderly that make up most of the population are feeling strained.
And they are looking for a new source of revenue to either alleviate that or at least slow it.
Same reason the other States are going in that direction.
The only thing we know is that assessments and taxes will continue to rise as the forward projection of the labor pool is to worsen for some time to come.
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The problem with rationalizing is that it is most often used to mask what the real motivation is for some action taken either by an individual, group of individuals, or, in this case, by a government entity. This results in even the proponents not truly understanding the true reason(s).
I agree with Mr. Mercier that property taxes are high. I also agree that property values have dramatically increased since the pandemic. I do not agree that increased property values should necessarily result in higher property taxes. With an across the boards increase in property valuations as reflected by periodic reevaluations the mill rate should correspondently decrease.
I also disagree that a majority of New Hampshire residents are elderly. Approximately 21.5% are over sixty-five, not that sixty-five is considered elderly.
New Hampshire assesses property tax on 100% of valuation. Perhaps a graduated percentage could be adopted whereby property taxes are assessed on a lessor percentage for the elderly or disabled. This would constitute a homestead provision.
I'm not sure what property values and taxes have to do with the labor pool. The way New Hampshire seems to be going the only people who are going to be living here are professionals and well monied.
In any event governments need to learn to live within the means of the people they serve. People in government should stop rationalizing and start dealing with the limited resources of the people. The people should not simply accept the fallacious rationalization arguments put forth by those in power.